Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 20

Consort Li’s face turned pale, but she swallowed her fury and forced a composed expression.

“Come, Ying Shui, hurry and greet the Crown Prince. Let him admire your beauty,” she instructed, subtly signaling Li Ying Shui to use her charms to captivate him.

Understanding her aunt’s intent, Li Ying Shui smiled sweetly and approached Yi Han. “Your Highness, I have long admired you. I wish to remain by your side forever—please grant my humble request.” As she spoke, she leaned forward delicately, as if too frail to stand on her own.

Yi Han shifted his body slightly—just enough for her to fall into the arms of his servant, Xiao Zhuzi.

Xiao Zhuzi caught her effortlessly and beamed. “Miss Li, allow this humble servant to assist you.”

Though Li Ying Shui was indeed a beauty, if the Crown Prince had no interest in her, there was nothing he could do about it.

Her face flushed crimson with humiliation as she quickly straightened herself. What a disgrace! The Crown Prince had publicly rejected her. She turned toward Consort Li, pleading for help.

Equally frustrated, Consort Li had no choice but to appeal to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, what do you think of my niece?” If she could win the Emperor’s approval, not even the Crown Prince’s refusal would matter.

The Emperor studied Li Ying Shui with admiration. “She is indeed the epitome of a noble lady. And as my beloved consort’s niece, she would make a perfect match for my son.”

Consort Li seized the moment. “Then why not have Your Majesty decree the marriage? Traditionally, the Crown Prince’s consort is chosen by the Emperor himself.”

“No!” Yi Han’s rejection was immediate. “Father, no matter what, I will not give up on Ziying.”

If the Emperor insisted on forcing this marriage upon him, he would rather defy the imperial decree than betray his heart.

The Emperor suppressed his rising anger. He did not want to turn this into an outright conflict with his son. “Are you truly determined to have her?”

Yi Han’s expression remained unwavering. “Yes.”

The Emperor exhaled sharply. “Very well. I will grant your request.”

Yi Han was overjoyed.

“Your Majesty, how could you—” Consort Li began, but the Emperor raised his hand, silencing her.

“I will allow you to be together, but she can only be a concubine—not the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess must come from the Li noble lineage.”

This was his final condition.

“No! I refuse!” Yi Han’s voice was firm. “I will not take another consort. I will not let Ziying suffer such injustice.”

Murong Ziying was still in a daze, unable to process the situation unfolding around her.

The Emperor’s patience wore thin. “Are you trying to drive me to my grave? You know full well this girl is a danger to you. I am protecting you! Allowing her to be a concubine is already a great favor. Instead of gratitude, you defy me at every turn!”

His voice grew cold. “If that is the case, I might as well have this wicked woman sent to a monastery to become a nun. That way, she will never be a threat to our family.”

Yi Han did not waver. “If you do that, Father, then I will also shave my head and become a monk. I will renounce my title and withdraw from the secular world.”

“You—!” The Emperor was speechless with fury.

“Father, please understand. I truly love Ziying. I beg you to grant us your blessing.” Yi Han softened his tone, hoping to appeal to his father’s heart.

At last, the Emperor took a good look at Murong Ziying.

She was still visibly shaken, her large, watery eyes carrying an indescribable sorrow. Is this what captivated my son?

Murong Ziying noticed the Emperor’s piercing gaze and quickly lowered her head.

“You—lift your head,” the Emperor commanded.

Yi Han reassuringly patted her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she slowly raised her face.

“Your Majesty, I offer my respects.”

This was nothing like the grand selection she had imagined. Somehow, she had become the center of an imperial dispute—one she never anticipated.